BOULDER - Two former police officers accused of planning the New Year's Day killing of a trophy elk in Boulder have been formally charged.

Sam Carter and Brent Curnow are charged with forgery, attempting to influence a public official, and two counts of tampering with physical evidence.

They also are charged with first-degree official misconduct, illegal possession of a trophy elk, conspiracy to commit illegal possession of wildlife, unlawfully taking big game out of season, and unlawful use of an electronic communication device to unlawfully take wildlife.

This incident outraged many people in Boulder. Some held a vigil for the animal and called for a more in-depth investigation.

The Boulder District Attorney's office and the State's Division of Wildlife got involved. Investigators found out the elk was not injured.

They also discovered the men texted back and forth planning to kill the elk. The texts included statements such as: "Should I go hunting?" and "When you think you can whack it?"

An affidavit alleges Carter and Curnow also worked to cover it up.

Boulder Police Chief Mark Beckner put the men on paid-leave, originally, but they both resigned from the Boulder Police Department.

They could face prison time and thousands of dollars in fines.

The two officers are free on bond. They will return to court for a status hearing in the case April 4.